We have finally arrived at Manchuria and joined forces with other armies. And I have a great news. I met Daiki! Even though the journey was quite a harsh one, I think all my pains are being relieved just by the fact that I am at the same location as Daiki. However, I also have a bad news.
Earlier today, our battalion and another one that has been around here for couple more weeks were sent in order to look around the area. However, we were engaged in battle by the Chinese, and it was a surprise attack. As we were not expecting such a battle, our artillery was basic. We didn’t even bring a proper artillery to fight off tanks. So our choice was to evacuate from the area with least losses. Luckily, me and some of my men who were with me came back alive. On the other hand, some of my men who were closer to the other battalion have been demolished. The survivors are slowly returning back to the base camp, but there injuries and the number of missing soldiers is surely devastating. I think I should go and take a look at some of my men at the sick bay. I still can not accept that fact that almost 1/5 of my battalion has been wiped out in a single battle. I feel a need to construct better tactics along with better training for my battalion. I guess this is what we call the actual battlefield.
As I have more time for myself, I start to think about the whole purpose of this war. Why are we fighting with the Chinese, I can sense that this might lead to putting rest of the world as enemies soon. I know I should not be questioning the leaders at this point, but I need someone or something that would clarify my inquiries and let me concentrate in fighting again. Would it be a wise choice to ask the field marshal? Maybe not.
I wish I was back in Japan, protecting Hiroshima instead of fighting here like this. Thank God that my whole family is alive, because if even one of them died, I might pass out at the spot. Would the Marshals know or even try to understand the pains of their men? They should realize that soldiers are human, not machines that they can be sent to anywhere to fight.
We have finally arrived at Manchuria and joined forces with other armies. And I have a great news. I met Daiki! Even though the journey was quite a harsh one, I think all my pains are being relieved just by the fact that I am at the same location as Daiki. However, I also have a bad news.
Earlier today, our battalion and another one that has been around here for couple more weeks were sent in order to look around the area. However, we were engaged in battle by the Chinese, and it was a surprise attack. As we were not expecting such a battle, our artillery was basic. We didn’t even bring a proper artillery to fight off tanks. So our choice was to evacuate from the area with least losses. Luckily, me and some of my men who were with me came back alive. On the other hand, some of my men who were closer to the other battalion have been demolished. The survivors are slowly returning back to the base camp, but there injuries and the number of missing soldiers is surely devastating. I think I should go and take a look at some of my men at the sick bay. I still can not accept that fact that almost 1/5 of my battalion has been wiped out in a single battle. I feel a need to construct better tactics along with better training for my battalion. I guess this is what we call the actual battlefield.
As I have more time for myself, I start to think about the whole purpose of this war. Why are we fighting with the Chinese, I can sense that this might lead to putting rest of the world as enemies soon. I know I should not be questioning the leaders at this point, but I need someone or something that would clarify my inquiries and let me concentrate in fighting again. Would it be a wise choice to ask the field marshal? Maybe not.
I wish I was back in Japan, protecting Hiroshima instead of fighting here like this. Thank God that my whole family is alive, because if even one of them died, I might pass out at the spot. Would the Marshals know or even try to understand the pains of their men? They should realize that soldiers are human, not machines that they can be sent to anywhere to fight.
Mitsuo